Significado
Indicates the lowest acceptable amount, quantity, or degree.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, 'como poco' is a very common colloquial alternative to 'como mínimo'. It sounds more 'castizo' (authentic/traditional). In Mexico, 'cuando menos' is frequently used as a synonym for 'como mínimo' in both formal and informal speech. Argentines often use 'como mínimo' to emphasize a point in an argument, often accompanied by expressive hand gestures (the 'bunched fingers'). In contracts across the Spanish-speaking world, 'como mínimo' is the standard legal term for 'minimum', often appearing in clauses about quantities or durations.
The Number Rule
If you see a number, 'como mínimo' is almost always the safest choice to say 'at least'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'como mínima'. It stays masculine even if you are talking about girls, tables, or ideas.
Significado
Indicates the lowest acceptable amount, quantity, or degree.
The Number Rule
If you see a number, 'como mínimo' is almost always the safest choice to say 'at least'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'como mínima'. It stays masculine even if you are talking about girls, tables, or ideas.
Sound more native
Place 'como mínimo' at the very end of your sentence for extra emphasis on the requirement.
The Indignant Tone
Start a sentence with 'Como mínimo...' to show you are slightly annoyed that someone didn't do the basics.
Teste-se
Completa la frase con la opción correcta para indicar un requisito.
Para entrar al club, tienes que tener 18 años ________.
We are setting a lower age limit, so 'como mínimo' is the correct choice.
Which sentence uses 'como mínimo' correctly in a social context?
Select the correct sentence:
The phrase is invariable (no 'mínima') and uses 'como' (not 'al').
Completa el diálogo de negociación.
Jefe: ¿Cuánto tiempo necesitas para el informe? Empleado: Necesito tres días ________.
The employee is setting a time requirement.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are buying apples and need at least 5.
'Como mínimo' is the most natural way to specify a numerical requirement while shopping.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPara entrar al club, tienes que tener 18 años ________.
We are setting a lower age limit, so 'como mínimo' is the correct choice.
Select the correct sentence:
The phrase is invariable (no 'mínima') and uses 'como' (not 'al').
Jefe: ¿Cuánto tiempo necesitas para el informe? Empleado: Necesito tres días ________.
The employee is setting a time requirement.
Situation: You are buying apples and need at least 5.
'Como mínimo' is the most natural way to specify a numerical requirement while shopping.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasYes! It adds emphasis. 'Como mínimo, deberías llamar.'
Use 'como mínimo' for numbers and hard rules. Use 'al menos' for 'on the bright side'.
No, in this phrase it is always 'mínimo'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'como máximo' (at most).
Usually, yes. 'Por lo menos' is slightly more common in casual speech.
Yes, it is standard in all Spanish-speaking countries.
State your price followed by 'como mínimo'. 'Quiero 500 euros como mínimo.'
No, it doesn't trigger the subjunctive on its own.
Yes. 'Tardaré una hora como mínimo.'
Yes, but 'como poco' is more colloquial and common in Spain.
Because it is an 'esdrújula' word (stressed on the third-to-last syllable).
Frases relacionadas
Por lo menos
synonymAt least
Al menos
similarAt least
Como mucho
contrastAt most
A lo sumo
specialized formAt the most
Siquiera
similarEven / At least
